Larger wattage backup light bulbs?

[Gary - K7GLD]

I'm going to be installing some Sport light type tail lights on my '02 truck, primarily to improve the backup lighting, which is VERY poor on these trucks. Included in my plan, is use of Quartz type bulbs rated at 50 watts each in the backup light position.



Question is, are there any computer controls involved in the backup lighting function, such as a "bulbs out" function or similar that might be impacted by the different current draw of the higher wattage lamps?



I have installed a larger fuse to cope with the added draw, and am not concerned about the wiring, since the size of wire should be adequate, and the backup lights only rarely are used, and then only for a minute or so during backing maneuvers...



Any related unforeseen issues in this mod?

 

[steved]

I installed the 50 watt halogens in my 99 with no mods... didn't even change the fuse... I even had a backup beeper hooked into the mess (without a relay) and had no troubles.



Well worth every penny.



steved

 

[R C Cola]

Wattage Requirements

I put the 55 Watt bulbs in my 91 and promptly blew the fuse. Check the fuse size on your headlite circuit I beleive they are also rated at 55 watts. You might then want to check wire guage size, if too small it slows the flow of amps needed (less lite from resistance) . I pulled mine out till I could get time to use a relay and put in heavier wire to supply sufficient amperage since I intend to use mine with a switch as worklites. R C

 

[Thomas]

... are there any computer controls involved in the backup lighting function, such as a "bulbs out" function or similar that might be impacted by the different current draw of the higher wattage lamps?...

No. The only "bulbs out" function model year 2002 (second generation sheet metal) involves the flasher/hazard filaments.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

No. The only "bulbs out" function model year 2002 (second generation sheet metal) involves the flasher/hazard filaments.

I'm curious as to the reference to "second generation sheet metal" - what is that, I'm unfamiliar with the term, or differences in sheetmetal?



Reason I ask, is because I continually see aftermarket tail lights offered on Ebay that CLAIM to fit '02-'06 model trucks, when as near as I can see, the model split began in '03 with the 3rd generation truck, and there's NO WAY these offered lights would fit both a '02 and the later trucks...



Thanks to the guys above for the info and suggestions - I'll know lots more about it by next Monday evening!

 

[Thomas]

There were both second & third generation Rams manufactured model year 2002. My "second generation sheet metal" eliminates the Ram 1500's (the third generation Rams manufactured model year 2002) from my statement.

I wanted my reply to be completely accurate. The "second generation sheet metal" limits my comment to model year 2002 Ram 2500's and Ram 3500's. I have no idea how the third generation Rams are wired.

I suppose I could have left off the "sheet metal" part of the qualifying language and kept the reply accurate.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

There were both second & third generation Rams manufactured model year 2002. My "second generation sheet metal" eliminates the Ram 1500's (the third generation Rams manufactured model year 2002) from my statement.



I wanted my reply to be completely accurate. The "second generation sheet metal" limits my comment to model year 2002 Ram 2500's and Ram 3500's. I have no idea how the third generation Rams are wired.



I suppose I could have left off the "sheet metal" part of the qualifying language and kept the reply accurate.

Interesting.



But it sure screwed me up when I bought a set of sport type tail lights for my '02 2500 - what I got was clearly for the later trucks, even though the item description stated they would fit '02-'06 trucks. I knew better, but they DID display 2 different types of lights, so I assumed (yeah, right!) they probably stocked lights for both generation trucks. I've since returned them, and am STILL waiting for my refund...

 

[McLaughlin]

You could also attach some aftermarket driving lights to the back with a separate switch (or use a relay from the backup lights) and a separate power lead.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

You could also attach some aftermarket driving lights to the back with a separate switch (or use a relay from the backup lights) and a separate power lead.

YUP - already done that - just want still better backup lighting, combined with better appearing tail lights similar to the new Sport type headlights I recently installed - the new tail lights are scheduled to be delivered this coming Monday, and will reuse the same lighting and harness that's currently attached to the OEM lights - but want better and more powerful bulbs than what the stockers are.



The rear and side windows on my truck are heavily tinted, which makes seeing to the rear when backing in the dark sorta difficult - the added under-bumper lights I've added are great - but the "Light bombing" continues! :-laf

 

[R C Cola]

Backing

Yup, me too. Lots of backing and at nite with tint. I'm a poor boy so I use the all windows down method, still need more lite.

 

[Bob4x4]

Gary,I have replace a few back-up light switches on 6spd trucks with added b/u lights,less on auto trucks.



Bob

 

[JFaulkner]

You could eliminate the current draw issues with dedicated relays.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Gary,I have replace a few back-up light switches on 6spd trucks with added b/u lights,less on auto trucks.



Bob

YUP - that's why mine run on a dedicated 12 volt circuit direct from the battery to a relay, and are triggered by the OEM backup light circuit...



So far, I haven't been able to locate any direct replacement quartz-type bulbs to replace the OEM type in my new tail light assembly - no big deal, I'll buy some if I can find them, if not, the added ones below the bumper do fine added to the improvement of the new tail light setup even with standard bulbs...

 

[Duluth Diesel]

As already stated:



2002 1500 trucks were 3rd gen body style

2002 2500 and 3500 trucks retained the 2nd gen body style



I have a 2002 2500.



Lots of times when I buy parts that are not 1500 or 2500 specific, I just tell them I have a 2001. Less confusion and explaining with parts guys who don't know about this transition year.